Theresa May Will Reject Calls By Muslim Groups To Define Islamophobia As A Type Of Racism
In the Commons tomorrow ministers will oppose the definition which states “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness”

Theresa May is to reject a definition of Islamophobia proposed by British Muslim groups, BuzzFeed News can reveal.
At a parliamentary debate on anti-Muslim prejudice on Thursday, ministers will oppose the definition which states: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”
More than 750 British Muslim organisations had called on the government to adopt the British Muslims all-party parliamentary group definition, which was produced after consultation with legal experts, MPs and Muslim groups.
The definition has been formally endorsed by the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Conservatives.
But BuzzFeed News has been briefed on plans by communities secretary James Brokenshire to reject the definition on free speech grounds.
The government is said to be concerned that adopting the definition could mean people who criticise aspects of Islam might be prosecuted under discrimination laws.
That’s exactly what it means. In fact, it’s already happening without the law in place.
A source familiar with the decision also said there are legal difficulties with calling Islamophobia a “type of racism” because Islam is a religion rather than a race. Continue reading UK: Legal difficulties with calling Islam a race & other ‘expressions of Muslimness’


















